US drops G20 group photo plans amid European diplomats' opposition to Russia

The United States abandoned plans for a group photograph of top diplomats from the world’s 20 largest economies on Friday, after European representatives objected to appearing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and threatened to boycott the session. The cancellation underscored deep G20 divisions over ongoing global crises and implications for international security and trade.

Harassing women, threats and intimidation: Inside police dossier on Rishabh Shukla’s uncle

Police externed Rajesh Shukla, uncle and co-accused of triple-murder suspect Rishabh Shukla, from Lucknow for three months after declaring him a “Goonda,” citing alleged threats, assaults, harassment of women and fear among residents. A March 16, 2026, order cites three cases from 2020 to 2025, reports of intimidation and chargesheets; a ₹25,000 reward was declared.

Character, discipline key to nation-building, says Tamil Nadu Governor

Education must build character, discipline and responsible citizens beyond qualifications and careers, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar told MIT-WPU graduates, urging them to apply their knowledge in service of society and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The university’s convocation honoured 7,806 graduates, including 17 PhD scholars, while speakers urged integrity and responsible AI use.

MP CM Mohan Yadav announces 2% DA hike for government employees, pensioners

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a 2% Dearness Allowance increase for state employees and officers, effective January 2026, with payment alongside October salaries in November. Arrears for January–September will be released in three equal monthly instalments. Pensioners will receive a 2% Dearness Relief increase from July 2026, as the government reaffirmed its support.

CJP's Saurav Das invites Derek O'Brien, John Brittas to Diwali party; Dipke, Ranka likely to attend

TMC’s Derek O’Brien and CPI(M) MP John Brittas have been invited to a Diwali party hosted by CJP leader Saurav Das, possibly the CJP’s first meeting with Opposition figures. AAP’s Sanjay Singh may attend. The gathering follows Rahul Gandhi’s condemnation of CJP activists’ arrests and CJP’s endorsement of the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally.

LDA completes survey of triple murder accused’s property

The Lucknow Development Authority completed an electronic total station survey around property linked to an accused in the Saadatganj triple murder case, examining alleged unauthorised construction and encroachment. A private agency’s report is expected Saturday; officials will compare findings with maps and records before deciding on enforcement. The survey follows years without one locally.

Air India gets DGCA approval for flying academy in Maharashtra

Air India secured DGCA approval for its flying academy at Belora Airport in Amravati, Maharashtra, the first established by an Indian airline, expanding pilot-training capacity as demand rises. The 10-acre facility will operate 34 aircraft and include digital classrooms, student accommodation, an operations centre and maintenance facilities, complementing Air India’s Gurugram academy and aviation-talent investments.

Every minute matters: How can timely stroke treatment save brain cells?

Suspected stroke requires immediate emergency care: every minute without treatment can increase brain damage, disability, and risk of death. Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, vision loss, confusion, or imbalance; note symptom onset and never wait for improvement. Stroke may result from a clot or bleeding, so urgent imaging guides treatment.

Sharjah Police bust gang accused of blackmailing influencers in 14 countries: Report

Sharjah Police dismantled an alleged cybercrime gang accused of stealing private images through malicious filters and blackmailing influencers and celebrities across 14 countries. One complaint triggered AI-assisted digital forensics and international cooperation, leading to arrests. The gang posed as a company offering verification, followers and account protection; police urge users to avoid suspicious links and report blackmail rather than pay.

Trump to hold rallies in Kansas and Iowa after initial cancellation: ‘Rallies are BACK ON’

President Donald Trump will hold back-to-back campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday, reviving events he initially canceled as he seeks to help Republicans retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. The events were rescheduled to accommodate nearly 20 tele-rallies and dozens more added to his schedule, the New York Post reported.

UP CM Yogi links night markets in UP to traders’ confidence, women’s safety

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says safer conditions have enabled markets to stay open at night and women to work night shifts without fear, presenting both as signs of progress. He credited the BJP-led government’s crime crackdown, claimed women’s labour-force participation rose from about 13% in 2017 to 36%, and contrasted confidence today with pre-2017 insecurity.

Centre allocates additional 14,520 tonnes of foodgrains for Uttarakhand Ardh Kumbh

The Centre allocated 14,520 metric tonnes of foodgrains to Uttarakhand for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, supporting adequate stocks and smooth distribution. Approved after the state’s request, the allocation includes 7,260 tonnes each of wheat and rice. Union Minister Joshi informed Chief Minister Dhami, who thanked the Centre and Prime Minister Modi.

Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick faces no-confidence vote after heated clash with resident

Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick faces a no-confidence vote after questioning Dana Tormollan about her job and living arrangements at a heated council meeting, where she challenged a letter in her tax documents. The resolution cites “reprehensible behavior” and disruption of proceedings; Rodrick had previously drawn criticism for allegedly using a township vehicle to commute to his school job.

IPL 2027: Rohit’s return as MI captain burdened with inherent risk

After six trophy-less campaigns, Mumbai Indians are overhauling coaching and considering a captain as Hardik Pandya trade talks continue. Rohit Sharma could return as a one-year stopgap; Tilak Varma is a long-term option, with Jasprit Bumrah also considered. If no trade materializes, Hardik stays, while MI are expected to retain Suryakumar Yadav despite recent struggles.

BJP veteran RK Sinha dies at 75; party leaders, RSS pay tribute

BJP veteran and former Rajya Sabha MP Ravindra Kishore Sinha, 75, died at his Noida residence after a brief illness, drawing tributes from party leaders, ministers and the RSS. They praised his contributions to the party, journalism, social service and private security, including job creation. A journalist, he founded SIS in the late 1970s and joined the Rajya Sabha in 2014.

Bengaluru cop, lawyers, Delhi pilot among 6 killed in Uttarakhand helicopter crash

Six people died Friday when a Trans Bharat helicopter flying from Badrinath to Dehradun crashed near Chayee village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The victims were pilot Capt Himanshu Sabharwal and five passengers, including Bengaluru CCB officer Arun Salunke and four Karnataka residents. Officials cited adverse weather; the aircraft lost communication after takeoff at 1:14 p.m.

Trump says Iran war to ‘get wrapped up soon’ amid midterm preps, reiterates nuclear weapon condition

Donald Trump said he expects the war with Iran to end soon, but offered no roadmap, insisting a settlement must guarantee Tehran never obtains a nuclear weapon. His remarks came amid uncertainty over renewed strikes and Qatari mediation in Tehran, as peace efforts remain stalled after the February 28 US-Israeli offensive killed Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Manisha Bhanwala becomes first Indian woman wrestler to win World Championship gold

Manisha Bhanwala made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a World Championship gold, defeating American Abigail Nette 8-6 in the 59kg final. The score underlined the contest’s intensity, while Bhanwala’s victory delivered a landmark achievement for Indian women’s wrestling. Further details about the championship and the final are expected to follow.

After Arnab, IMD tracks second weather system over Andaman Sea; depression likely by Oct 31

IMD says a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea is likely to become a depression by October 31, then move toward Andhra Pradesh over the next two days; no cyclone warning has been issued, but cyclone formation is uncertain. The system formed Thursday as Cyclone Arnab’s remnants moved inland; a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck nearby.

Christa Pike says she's in constant pain and blames 'incompetence' for her failed execution

Christa Pike says she remains in constant pain and struggles to speak a month after Tennessee’s failed lethal injection, which she blames on “incompetence.” The 50-year-old survived two pentobarbital doses on Sept. 30; Gov. Bill Lee ordered an investigation and postponed another execution. Pike was sentenced to death for killing classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995.

Lko-Knp E-way probe: CRRI roped in as IIT inquiry into defects drags on

CRRI has joined IIT Kharagpur in probing potholes on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, collecting samples to compare with monsoon findings. The IIT report remains pending, leaving questions about design, materials, workmanship and supervision unresolved. NHAI suspended tolls and acted against project parties; the findings will guide repairs and accountability. Defects appeared days after the 2026 opening.

Neeraj Chopra gives injury update, hopes to resume training soon

Neeraj Chopra says his injury has improved and he hopes to resume training within weeks after consulting orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala. The August training injury ended his season, ruling him out of the Asian Games and Diamond League finale. He followed doctors’ advice to rest; his last competition was Lausanne, where he finished second.

Five held in Lko after club brawl; police seek licence cancellation

Five men were arrested after a brawl at a Vibhuti Khand club left a man with head injuries; police are seeking licence cancellation. Police said he was assaulted again while identifying attackers, and officers used force after groups allegedly resisted intervention. A video shows personnel striking men. The club exceeded permitted hours, with broken CCTV and incomplete entry records.

Food stylist shares two simple snack recipes to make Halloween party prep easier: Step-by-step guide

Food stylist Sheeba de Souza shares two savoury Halloween recipes—monster guacamole with tortilla chips and cucumber-wrapped chicken sandwiches—as playful alternatives to seasonal sweets. The no-cook avocado dip takes 15 minutes and lets children decorate, while sandwiches feature poached, shredded chicken in dressing. Prepare the filling ahead, but assemble and decorate shortly before serving.

Signature Global awards ₹496 crore construction contract for Tonino Lamborghini project in Gurugram

Signature Global awarded B.L. Kashyap & Sons a ₹496-crore contract to build Tonino Lamborghini Residences in Gurugram, with completion expected in five to six years. The work covers five towers and commercial buildings. Across 12.4 acres, the project includes 812 homes and marks the Italian brand’s Indian residential debut; Phase 1 sold out, while Phase 2 launched.

Netflix releases documentary on Cornell gangrape case amid calls for President’s resignation

Lawyers for seven Cornell defendants accused of sexual assault ask a judge to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor, saying her public support for the accuser may undermine confidence in the investigation. James’s office says her comments pose no conflict and prosecutors must treat defendants fairly. Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James after local prosecutors declined the case.

After CJP, Neha Bora extends support to INDIA bloc's Nov 1 Ramlila Maidan protest

Neha Bora, president of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), has extended support to the INDIA bloc’s November 1 protest against the Chief Election Commissioner at Ramlila Maidan. Her endorsement adds a student activist’s voice to the opposition alliance’s planned demonstration, whose announced details center on its date, venue and target.

Here's how to pick the right cuts, fabrics and silhouettes for your body shape for best festive look

Festive dressing should prioritize comfort and confidence, with silhouettes reflecting personal preference, says Sandeep Kapoor. He recommends A-line or straight-cut kurtas, waist-defining Anarkalis, and balanced separates to suit proportions. Coordinate colours and prints, choose comfortable fabrics, and test the full outfit—including dupatta and footwear—for easy movement; Kapoor shared these flexible tips with HT Lifestyle.

From high cholesterol to sleep apnoea: Health conditions that may raise stroke risk

Stroke risk rises with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, which can damage vessels, promote plaque or clots, and restrict blood flow to the brain, neurologist Deep Das warns. Screenings, prescribed medication, healthy eating, exercise, reduced salt and avoiding tobacco help control these risks; consult doctors before changing treatment. Sedentary habits, excess weight and atrial fibrillation also contribute.

Chinese Horoscope, October 31, 2026: Daily astro guidance as per your zodiac

Earth Tiger’s Stable Day favors practical decisions, steady routines, follow-through, and small corrections over bold risks; kind communication, cooperation, finances, regular meals, and rest support most signs. Dog enjoys the strongest momentum, while Rat and Monkey should take extra care. The reading derives from the 戊寅 Earth Tiger day and Stable Officer, within 2026’s Fire Horse year.